Support for the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation is driving meaningful progress in fluid power education. Through the University Grant Program, a comprehensive lab kit and five new fluid power modules, each with a detailed Bill of Materials, are now available on the Fluid Power Curriculum page of the NFPA website for use by colleges and universities nationwide.
Developed by Purdue University and pilot-tested with students at both Purdue and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT), these modules integrate controls, electronics, and data acquisition with fluid power systems. They are designed to equip students with the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to succeed in the fluid power industry.
Cost-effective and scalable, the modules can be completed with the materials included in the affordable kit, making them accessible to institutions with limited resources. By reducing barriers to fluid power education and offering hands-on learning opportunities, these modules help students develop essential problem-solving skills and deepen their understanding of, and interest in, fluid power. The lab modules include building and controlling a pneumatic gripper, calibrating sensors, and collecting and analyzing data. These real-world applications enhance student engagement by connecting classroom theory to industry-relevant challenges.
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